Two City of Jasper Leaders Receive State Awards

Two City of Jasper leaders receive state awards last night at the 2017 Aim Idea Summit in Evansville. Aim (Accelerate Indiana Municipalities) is to help focus Indiana cities and towns prosper through economic growth and beneficial policy.

Clerk-Treasurer Juanita Boehm was the recipient of the Financial Management Award. The Financial Management Award is given to a finance officer or administrator who has made outstanding achievements to management, financial recording and leadership in public service. Boehm has served as Jasper’s clerk-treasurer since 1996. During her time in public office, she has built a strong track record for good fiscal management, earning high marks from the Indiana State Board of Accounts. Boehm also is active in her community. She established an endowment with the Dubois County Community Foundation to support palliative care and is a member of the Memorial Hospital Palliative Advisory Board. She also serves on the Dubois County Community Meals Board and is a volunteer with the TRI-CAP Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

“There are many, many responsibilities required of a public-sector fiscal officer. Some are more visible and obvious than others,” Aim CEO Matt Greller said. “I’m excited for Juanita to get the recognition she deserves for the investment of time and energy she makes in order to do a great job for the people of Jasper.”

Park & Recreation Director Ken Buck was honored with the Ivan H. Brinegar Municipal Management Award. The Ivan H. Brinegar Municipal Management Award is presented to an appointed municipal official with a minimum of 10 years of city or town service who displays strong leadership, contributions to the community and serves as a role model to citizens and other municipal officials. Buck has served as the director of the Jasper Park and Recreation Department since 1975. During his distinguished career, Buck has forged strong relationships with the community and elected officials to bring forth major projects, including the Jasper Riverwalk, a 2.1-mile public walkway that’s played a key role in the redevelopment of the city’s core; youth sports complexes; and the Arnold F. Habig Older American Center. Currently, Buck is spearheading a project called The Parklands of Jasper, which will become a 75-acre nature destination in the city.

“Public servants like Ken Buck are the unsung heroes of local governments all around our state,” Aim CEO Matt Greller said. “Ken has embraced what it means to create quality places and works with Jasper’s policymakers to implement transformational projects all around the city.”